Eildon News

BCIF Moves Home

Established in 2002 to help local businesses take advantage of a number of major local construction-related projects, Borders Construction Industry Forum (BCIF) is now moving home. The project has been involved with a wide range of activities over the years including providing business support when training and development were identified as key issues for the industry.

Alongside the work that has been done with businesses to help with procurement, training and management, BCIF has been involved with promoting the construction industry as a positive employment route. 

BCIF also worked with local primary and secondary schools to run a range of activities for the pupils as an introduction to the construction industry.

One of BCIF's many achievements has been working in partnership with the Health & Safety Executive and others to provide education and advice to businesses on ways to improve site safety which has led to improved safety procedures being adopted.

In 2008 BCIF expanded its area of operation to cover the whole of the South of Scotland; a move that meant a change of name from the Borders Construction Industry Forum to the Building and Construction Industry Forum.

Since it started BCIF gained strong political support and has made a positive difference; in the past 2 years alone BCIF has provided help to over 160 businesses some of whom have gone on to some win new work in very difficult economic conditions.

The secret to BCIF's success and longevity has been the enthusiasm of its staff and its ability to respond to change in ever-changing environments. It is therefore not surprising that after 8 years of being sponsored by Eildon that BCIF has secured its next phase and will in future be hosted by, and be based at, Borders College. 

As part of the South of Scotland Business Solutions Services, BCIF will continue to offer support to construction businesses across the region.